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The CAT channel is used by the application software to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and
many other parameters. The application communicates with the radio using a serial protocol. Although most
modern radios implement some form of serial control, nearly every radio implementation is different. The degree
of control available for each radio depends on that radio and the application (logger or digital program).
NOTE: The COM port number assigned in Router MUST match the port number assigned in the host
application. First configure the virtual COM ports in Router then configure the application.
When a COM port is assigned in the Router but not in
the application (or the application is not running) Router
will indicate the channel is closed.
When an application opens the COM port assigned for control (usually at start-up), Router shows the channel as
open and displays baud rate, data bits, parity and number of stop bits used by the applicaiton. For example,
4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.
Data flowing thru the CAT channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow indicates data flow from the host
application to the radio and a red arrow indicates data flow from the radio to the application.
TIP: If the application provides for PTT (T/R) keying by radio control (CAT) turn this function OFF. PTT
by CAT is not reliable because RFI can prevent the radio from switching back to receive. In addition,
microKEYER II cannot control an amplifier when the application uses PTT by CAT since it has no way to
sense that the the application has placed the transceiver into transmit. There is a dedicated T/R
switching channel for this purpose called PTT.
NOTE: The virtual COM port does not use
handshaking signals. Configure DTR and RTS
settings in your application program (logger) to
OFF. Do not select "Handshake."
In order for Router to determine the operating
frequency and mode, it must know what radio
(CAT protocol) is being used. To select the
radio, click the Set button. When the radio is
communicating properly with Router, click
Device | Store as Power-up Setting. This action
will store radio type into the MKII EEPROM and
provide frequency decoding and consequent
iLink device updates even if MKII is not
connected to the Router (aka Stand Alone
mode).
Choose your radio in the Radio combo box.
Then select communication speed in the Baud
rate box.
Note: The baud rate must match your radio.
All Icom and some TenTec radios require the
correct CI-V address. If everything is configured
properly, your radio's current operating
frequency and mode should be displayed.
TIP: Disable the Autobaud function in any Icom Radio used with Router. Configure the radio, Router,
and your application software to operate at 9600 or 19200 baud.
microHAM © 2008 All rights reserved
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CAT PORT & 2
CAT PORT
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